Note: Sorry for not making this pretty -- just trying to squeeze it in quickly before the 4pm FA frenzy and felt that this is likely to change quickly after we see where people go. I kept most of my draft in tact, but the changes I did make I just made the old ones tiny for reference.
Trade with Miami: #32 [590], #64 [270] = 860 for #42 [480] + #52 [360] + #139 [36.5] = 876.5

#42 - DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson (previous pick: #38, Matt Elam, S, Florida)
Reason: With Boldin gone, and a $120 million QB, you have to help the guy out. I love Jacoby, but I like him much better as a #3 guy. Hopkins is a guy that runs good routes to get separation and has great hands. He will need to work on his strength a bit to be able to fight the press better at the LOS. I liken him to Roddy White.

** TRADE ** Trade w/ Arizona (#32 for #38, #133)Reason: Surprising to many, the QBs in the draft slipped a bit. Two QBs just came off the board in the last 3 picks (Smith to KC who traded up with New England, Wilson to Jacksonville who traded up with Atlanta) and the QB needy teams are getting a bit nervous. Arizona makes it move for a relatively small price to jump up and grab EJ Manuel. A bit high of a pick for them, but with his size, arm strength and mobility, he reminds Bruce Arians of a guy by the name of Roethlisbeger.

Round 2, Pick #38 - Matt Elam, S, Florida
Reason: The Ravens liked Elam enough that they felt comfortable picking him at #32, but as per usual, we had other players we liked as well and felt comfortable moving back a few spots and picking up more ammo. The Ravens are eyeing some trade ups later in the draft, so snagging an early 5th falls right into their plans. Matt Elam is an instinctive, fast, and physical safety who can play either FS or SS. With Ed departing for New England, the Ravens like Elam to step in and be the playmaker we are used to seeing back there.

#52 - Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State (Same pick, just 1 spot lower)
Reason: Same as in the last version -- we need athleticism in our front 7. With Ellerbe being retained, a rangy guy with good cover skills is an excellent asset to have.

** TRADE ** Trade w/ Washington (#64, #133 [from AZ] for #51)Round 2, Pick #51 - Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State
Reason: The Ravens were keeping their eyes on both Arthur Brown and Khaseem Greene as ILB is a clear need on the team long term. Greene unfortunately was scooped up by Pittsburgh, and rumors were swirling that Cincinatti at #53 was eyeing up Brown. The Ravens got on the phone with Washington, knowing that they are lacking in picks due to the RG3 trade, and offered them #64, #133 for #51 and #181, but Washington was hesitant. While they moved up the draft, Washington wanted to gain picks, not stay the same if they were falling back in the draft. Time was ticking down, so the Ravens decided with the plethora of picks they have to forego the asking of #181 as well and gave the Redskins a deal they couldn't refuse. The Ravens like Brown due to his athleticism and ability to cover the middle of the field. The team saw how badly this was an issue this season and wanted to get more athletic at that position and Brown, despite his small stature, provides that at great value here. With the two picks so far, the Ravens grabbed two of their top prospects with zero net loss.

#87 - Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia
Reason: With Ed's tenure coming to a close, we need some talented depth and hopefully a guy that can step in and fill the role. The Ravens are gambling with his issues, but hopefully in interviews he's shown he's past them.

Round 3, Pick #94 - Jamie Collins, OLB, Southern Mississippi
Reason: With losing Kruger, the Ravens want to add back some talent to the pass rush department. Collins may be a bit undersized and need to add some weight, but he has the fortune of being able to be brought in as a pass rush specialist for the next 1-2 years why he adds some muscle. He brings a lot of speed and athleticism to a front 7 that should help with us getting to opposing QBs.

Round 4, Pick #126 - Kwame Geathers, DT, Georgia
Reason: While Dean Pees' system likes the NT to be a bit of a pass rusher as well, the Ravens couldn't pass up on this behemoth. Seeing the impact that a tall DL like JJ Watt had in batting balls down at the line of scrimmage, as well as the impact it had for us in the playoffs this past season, the Ravens grab this 6'6, 350lb monster. Despite his size, he plays with decent leverage and when he's able to get his hands out in front of him, does a good job at pushing the pocket.

Round 4, Compensatory Pick - Mario Benavides, C, Louisville
Reason: With Birk retiring, we have Gino Gradkowski stepping into his role. The problem, however, is Gradkowski's unproven. The Ravens bring in Benavides as a developmental pick to serve as quality depth.

Round 5, Pick #158 - Jordan Mills, OT, Lousiana Tech
Reason: The Ravens need more OT depth and they select the guy from the small school in Jordan Mills. Mills didn't face too many quality opponents while at Lousiana Tech, but performed well at the Senior Bowl. He plays with a decent mean streak and could develop into a solid player in the NFL.

Round 5, Compensatory Pick - Michael Williams, TE, Alabama (Sorry RAVINGMADD )
Reason: Williams is a great blocking TE who will come at a cheaper price than Billy Bajema and will help in jumbo packages. He also is a good athlete for his size so his abilities in the passing game has potential as well.

Round 6, Pick #189 (f/ SF) - Jordan Rodgers, QB, Vanderbilt
Reason: Undersized and not much experience, but decent competition for Taylor. Not the biggest athlete, and not the strongest arm, but a smart QB who could make a capable backup long-term.

Round 6, Pick #190 - Jarred Holley, S, Pittsburgh
Reason: Holley was a playmaker for the Panthers in his time there. His best fit in the NFL is likely in a center field role. If developed, in a few years he and Elam could form quite the tandem.

Round 6, Compensatory Pick - Lonnie Pryor, FB, Florida State
Reason: With Vonta Leach being up higher in age and with the three wide looks we often see now, his role is diminishing. Pryor comes in to fill a similar role for much less money. Pryor likely lands on the PS for his rookie year and then promoted after 2013 when the Ravens move on from Leach.

Round 6, Compensatory Pick- Vince Williams, ILB, Florida State
Reason: The Ravens double dip at FSU and grab Williams for ILB depth. Projected to be the eventual heir to Ayanbadejo, Williams will first make his living on special teams and could be decent depth at ILB should injuries occur.

Note: I really haven't had a whole lot of time to scout some of these guys, so I've relied on what I've seen and for some simply what I've read of them. I tried my best to take into strong consideration that Ozzie mentioned our biggest priority is the middle of the defense. So, without further ado...

** TRADE ** Trade w/ Arizona (#32 for #38, #133)Reason: Surprising to many, the QBs in the draft slipped a bit. Two QBs just came off the board in the last 3 picks (Smith to KC who traded up with New England, Wilson to Jacksonville who traded up with Atlanta) and the QB needy teams are getting a bit nervous. Arizona makes it move for a relatively small price to jump up and grab EJ Manuel. A bit high of a pick for them, but with his size, arm strength and mobility, he reminds Bruce Arians of a guy by the name of Roethlisbeger.

Round 2, Pick #38 - Matt Elam, S, Florida
Reason: The Ravens liked Elam enough that they felt comfortable picking him at #32, but as per usual, we had other players we liked as well and felt comfortable moving back a few spots and picking up more ammo. The Ravens are eyeing some trade ups later in the draft, so snagging an early 5th falls right into their plans. Matt Elam is an instinctive, fast, and physical safety who can play either FS or SS. With Ed departing for New England, the Ravens like Elam to step in and be the playmaker we are used to seeing back there.

** TRADE ** Trade w/ Washington (#64, #133 [from AZ] for #51)Round 2, Pick #51 - Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State
Reason: The Ravens were keeping their eyes on both Arthur Brown and Khaseem Greene as ILB is a clear need on the team long term. Greene unfortunately was scooped up by Pittsburgh, and rumors were swirling that Cincinatti at #53 was eyeing up Brown. The Ravens got on the phone with Washington, knowing that they are lacking in picks due to the RG3 trade, and offered them #64, #133 for #51 and #181, but Washington was hesitant. While they moved up the draft, Washington wanted to gain picks, not stay the same if they were falling back in the draft. Time was ticking down, so the Ravens decided with the plethora of picks they have to forego the asking of #181 as well and gave the Redskins a deal they couldn't refuse. The Ravens like Brown due to his athleticism and ability to cover the middle of the field. The team saw how badly this was an issue this season and wanted to get more athletic at that position and Brown, despite his small stature, provides that at great value here. With the two picks so far, the Ravens grabbed two of their top prospects with zero net loss.

Round 3, Pick #94 - Jamie Collins, OLB, Southern Mississippi
Reason: With losing Kruger, the Ravens want to add back some talent to the pass rush department. Collins may be a bit undersized and need to add some weight, but he has the fortune of being able to be brought in as a pass rush specialist for the next 1-2 years why he adds some muscle. He brings a lot of speed and athleticism to a front 7 that should help with us getting to opposing QBs.

Round 4, Pick #126 - Kwame Brown, DT, Georgia
Reason: While Dean Pees' system likes the NT to be a bit of a pass rusher as well, the Ravens couldn't pass up on this behemoth. Seeing the impact that a tall DL like JJ Watt had in batting balls down at the line of scrimmage, as well as the impact it had for us in the playoffs this past season, the Ravens grab this 6'6, 350lb monster. Despite his size, he plays with decent leverage and when he's able to get his hands out in front of him, does a good job at pushing the pocket.

Round 4, Compensatory Pick - Mario Benavides, C, Louisville
Reason: With Birk retiring, we have Gino Gradkowski stepping into his role. The problem, however, is Gradkowski's unproven. The Ravens bring in Benavides as a developmental pick to serve as quality depth.

Round 5, Pick #158 - Jordan Mills, OT, Lousiana Tech
Reason: The Ravens need more OT depth and they select the guy from the small school in Jordan Mills. Mills didn't face too many quality opponents while at Lousiana Tech, but performed well at the Senior Bowl. He plays with a decent mean streak and could develop into a solid player in the NFL.

Round 5, Compensatory Pick - Michael Williams, TE, Alabama (Sorry RAVINGMADD )
Reason: Williams is a great blocking TE who will come at a cheaper price than Billy Bajema and will help in jumbo packages. He also is a good athlete for his size so his abilities in the passing game has potential as well.

Round 6, Pick #190 - Jarred Holley, S, Pittsburgh
Reason: Holley was a playmaker for the Panthers in his time there. His best fit in the NFL is likely in a center field role. If developed, in a few years he and Elam could form quite the tandem.

Round 6, Compensatory Pick - Lonnie Pryor, FB, Florida State
Reason: With Vonta Leach being up higher in age and with the three wide looks we often see now, his role is diminishing. Pryor comes in to fill a similar role for much less money. Pryor likely lands on the PS for his rookie year and then promoted after 2013 when the Ravens move on from Leach.

Round 6, Compensatory Pick- Vince Williams, ILB, Florida State
Reason: The Ravens double dip at FSU and grab Williams for ILB depth. Projected to be the eventual heir to Ayanbadejo, Williams will first make his living on special teams and could be decent depth at ILB should injuries occur.

Favorite Ravens mock draft I've seen not made by me. Was Kwame Brown a joke or a typo? It's Kwame Geathers, Brown was the Wizards great. I don't know much about Holley, Mills, or Benavides. Brown, Collins, and Pryor are three of my favorite prospects though.

Oh I see you like Michael Williams and A.J. Francis too (won't mention Arthur Brown, he's DB's guy). Obviously I'm a fan of this draft, well everything besides Ed Reed going to New England. I know it's a possibility, but I'd prefer not to think about it so let's just stop talking about that now.

Obviously I like the first two picks because they are both guys you can't really go wrong with.

Collins I don't know much about, but adding his speed and athleticism to the front 7 would be nice. I opted for Edwards because of his versatility and felt like adding a solid rotational guy was more important than upside and athleticism because I feel like either guy we take is going to have trouble getting on the field to begin with.

Kwame Geathers is huge, but I wonder if he really provides anything that Cody already doesn't.

I was gonna take a center, but with the way things look, Birk doesn't want to retire so I went in another direction.

Don't know anything about Jordan Mills, but we need a LT somewhere in this draft. I'd want to take someone earlier though. I mostly like the guy I took Watson or Chris Faulk. The rest of the later round guys I looked at I'm not sure about them being a fit at LT._________________

Bernard Pollard and Troy Polamalu had a baby? Yes, hello Mr. Matthew Elam. That guy is a terror.

Db done got the whole Ravens section on the Arthur Brown bandwagon He would be a steal in the 2nd.

I love Jamie Collins. He is a beast on the pass rushing tip. He's a guy people are over looking in my opinion -- finished the season with double digit sacks. Very fast and physical. Great pick!

Kwame Brown?

But Kwame Geathers is the guy you mean. I watched tape on him, he's pretty dominant and one of the reasons Georgia's defense was so great.

Jordan Mills is a guy I think will be playing RT. I saw him at the Sr Bowl, didn't seem to have the feet. It's only a few late round guys I see that definitely has the ability to play LT (Terron Armstead, Chris Faulk, Ricky Wagner, and Luke Marquardt)

Vince Williams is a monster. He was one player that stood out at the Sr Bowl.

Francis is a good depth guy and hometown name.

Not too familiar with Benavides, M. Williams, Holley, and Pryor but they seem like good picks.

Gimme' some of that! It's hard to argue with almost any of the picks. I've been against taking a C with a higher pick but the 4th round sounds about right for some interior depth on the offensive line (to go with Harewood).

The only thing I don't like is taking another safety in the 6th round. At that point the Ravens would have Elam, Pollard, and Thomspon firmly on the roster and I would assume that Brown will be tendered as an EFA. Levine might be too and I wouldn't be surprised to see Cook brought back on a minimum deal if/when they don't tender him as a RFA. One of Ihedigbo or Considine will probably be back as well to have at least one veteran with experience for depth so I really don't think bringing in another marginal talent at the position would do much. Of course it's only a 6th round pick too so it's not that bad.

Like I said dude... not cool, not cool at all... now I'll look like a thief.

But yes, I liked your descriptions of draft circumstance here. Was a change of pace. Provided some of the drama of the draft.

In terms of the draft... you selected two of my favorite players right off the bat. Matt Elam is a guy that reminds me a lot of Troy Polamalu in his ability to be a physical safety while also being able to cover at a very high level. Most people are just going to assume that he's a SS, but tell me a Prime Troy Polamalu couldn't be a dynamite FS... and I'll tell you that you're a couple bread loafs short of a big mac. He's just so explosive and instinctive... and hits like a tank. The worse part about selecting him is that it means Ed Reed isn't on the team.

Arthur Brown, well... he's fast and stuff. He obviously has as his weakness the fact that he's not a very stout player. As opposed to consistently looking to stand his ground, he'll opt to either avoid blocks by running around them with his speed or when blocked disengage quickly to attack. That weakness makes him a little less effective in short yardage situations. It's a weakness of his that I've come to notice. It's more prevalent than I realized... there are a few clear instances in most every tape he has (and he probably has more than all the ILB prospects).

But that being said, I still don't care. I saw plug a big thumper next to Brown and let his range and speed clean things up. Kevin Minter is really the only ILB in this class that can take on blockers at a high level and still be fast and instinctive... but I think when it's all said and done, he ends up going top 20. He's strong, fast, and instinctive... someone will like him enough to make him their next Jerod Mayo type ILB inside.

Anyways back to the mock. Brown is just a playmaker. Good pick.

Jamie Collins, I'm not the most familiar with but from what I've seen he looks a lot like Kruger. He's not very stout at the POA getting pushed back once most blockers get a hand on him. He also doesn't look very comfortable in coverage whereas Kruger seemed to thrive in coverage as well as pass rushing, making him a very versatile player. However Collins does have terrific burst and speed. That alone will allow him to make plays early on in his career as a 3rd down specialist while he strengthens his base and improves his technique. My only other concern with him is that just watching his tape, he seems to be gassed often. I have to wonder if it isn't due to some sort of medical condition... or if its simply poor conditioning. That said, 3rd round specialist should keep him fresh to make plays. He's a nice 3rd round selection.

A big resounding NOOO to Geathers. The dude is soft. I consistently saw him getting pushed 2-3 yards off the LOS on every play. He just wasn't stout. I mean, what makes it worse is that he already plays with decent leverage... so I'm not sure what he can do to really improve to have his strength shine through.

I think Mario Benavides is a bit small, but I like him. He's definitely more of a ZBS type of center though.

Not familiar with Mills.

I like both Williams and Pryor as blockers. Though I'm not sure how likely we would be to have two rookie blockers carry such prominent roles on the team- especially considering a possible transition to more 3 WR sets.

Not familiar with Holley nor Williams. AJ Francis is a cool pick up._________________

Oh I see you like Michael Williams and A.J. Francis too (won't mention Arthur Brown, he's DB's guy). Obviously I'm a fan of this draft, well everything besides Ed Reed going to New England. I know it's a possibility, but I'd prefer not to think about it so let's just stop talking about that now.

Obviously I like the first two picks because they are both guys you can't really go wrong with.

Collins I don't know much about, but adding his speed and athleticism to the front 7 would be nice. I opted for Edwards because of his versatility and felt like adding a solid rotational guy was more important than upside and athleticism because I feel like either guy we take is going to have trouble getting on the field to begin with.

Kwame Geathers is huge, but I wonder if he really provides anything that Cody already doesn't.

I was gonna take a center, but with the way things look, Birk doesn't want to retire so I went in another direction.

Don't know anything about Jordan Mills, but we need a LT somewhere in this draft. I'd want to take someone earlier though. I mostly like the guy I took Watson or Chris Faulk. The rest of the later round guys I looked at I'm not sure about them being a fit at LT.

Wow, I didn't realize you had AJ Francis too. I knew you had Michael Williams, but didn't remember AJ Francis. Great minds

Yeah, I don't think Birk "wants" to retire, but I think it may be a "Hey, Matt, listen, we don't want to let you go but with the cap situation, I think it may be best if you just go out on top" kind of deal._________________

I think its more realistic if you switch Hopkins with Brown... I very much doubt Brown is available for our 2nd round pick... especially if he runs an insane number in his 40 at his proday (today- haven't seen the news on his results)._________________

I think its more realistic if you switch Hopkins with Brown... I very much doubt Brown is available for our 2nd round pick... especially if he runs an insane number in his 40 at his proday (today- haven't seen the news on his results).

The pick is actually a mid-2nd rounder (12 spots higher than our normal 2nd rounder, from the Dolphins trade). I have Brown falling further than I think he should because of his missed combine, though his pro-day could change that._________________